Nissan Leaf Is Just The Tip Of An Iceberg

The Leaf is still the best-selling electric vehicle in the world but its limited range and stiff competition from Tesla Model 3 (which boasts better specs) has lead Nissan to completely overhaul the new auto. In the meantime, Nissan has been progressively teasing more and more clues of the new LEAF's styling, as well as some of the new technology it will feature.

Pictures of the new 2018 Nissan Leaf have been leaked onto the internet less than a month before it is due to be revealed. If the spec sheet proves accurate, the 2018 Nissan Leaf will be packing some decent power, with 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

Considering that the Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000 for its most basic variant, the 2018 Nissan Leaf could provide EV enthusiasts a fair, more affordable alternative to the highly anticipated mass-market auto. It will be Nissan's most advanced autonomous model on sale.

Autobytel is the first reputable source to unveil the price and specs of the Nissan Leaf 2018. If you want the whole kit and caboodle, including Nissan's new ProPilot semi-autonomous lane-holding system, it'll allegedly run you $38,795. The Leaf SV's pricing is said to be $32,490 while the range-topping SL is $36,200.

Nearly half a million people have paid the $1,000/£1,000 reservation fee for a Model 3 which is nearly double the number of Nissan Leafs sold since 2010. Considering the current Leaf is rated at just 107 miles on a charge and Nissan has been promising a 200-mile range for the new auto, the 40kWh battery may serve as a cheaper option compared to future variants that may be added.

The other engine variants have not yet been leaked, so it's now unclear whether or not the Leaf will be a Tesla Model 3 killer. The $35,000 entry-level Tesla Model 3 promises a range of 220 miles on a single charge.

So will the 2018 Nissan Leaf give the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money?